Life transitions can be daunting at any age. But for young people who have completed school and are trying to figure out their next steps, the question “What’s next?” can be particularly challenging.

Adam Robb, an educator with over 15 years of experience, often reflected on his students’ challenges. How do young people navigate life after school? What about mental health during the transition? How can they find their voice and figure out what they want to do?
Robb co-founded the Howl Experience with Daryl Kootenay, an Indigenous youth leader whose work spans local, national, and international initiatives—from the Nakoda Youth Council to the United Nations. Together, they envisioned Howl as a space where young people could develop critical life skills while fostering deep connections with the land, each other, and the community.

Howl offers youth transformative learning experiences centred on community, resilience, reconciliation, and nature. Its diverse team has engaged over 600 Canadian youth in mountain activities and discussions on climate change, conservation, Indigenous learning, and well-being in just three years.

“Words cannot begin to describe how life-changing this experience truly was for me,” said one participant. “The openness, acceptance, and kindness shown by everyone while experiencing new things taught me countless lessons about myself and the world around me.”

A recent donation of $75,000 from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation will help expand Howl‘s capacity to provide youth experiences that resonate far beyond the Bow Valley. The funding will reduce financial barriers, enhance programming, and allow Howl to share its story through video projects and youth-led storytelling, raising awareness of its impact.

“The Foundation is dedicated to youth programs that strengthen connections with the community, and promoting reconciliation is an important part of this,” said Cathy Geisler, Executive Director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. “Howl strives to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth through active, nature-centric experiences, and we are excited to support this important initiative.”

Howl’s approach is deeply rooted in Indigenous-led teachings. Kootenay’s extensive experience in youth leadership and cultural advocacy ensures the program reflects the needs and aspirations of young people and the broader community.

“Daryl’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping Howl into what it is today,” said Robb. “What began as an idea has grown into a dynamic program impacting not only youth participants but the entire Bow Valley community and beyond.”

A key initiative involves Travis Rider, a local Îyârhe Nakoda guide, who shares cultural insights and stories that highlight the land’s historical and spiritual connections. This Indigenous-led education emphasizes that reconciliation is a complex and ongoing process.

“Through connecting with Elders, experts, and peers on the land, I was reminded of my values and learned about practical ways to advance my career and impact my local and global communities,” said Carmen, Howl Rockies alumni. “Because of Howl, I’ve been inspired to reach out to a greater diversity of people in my network and build a community of support for the next generations.”

Howl has recently launched programs for young adults in Alberta, focusing on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and events for National Indigenous Peoples Day. In 2024, Howl hosted two Youth Summits in the Canadian Rockies to promote youth engagement and education in the region.

“This support will enable us to build our organizational capacity, diversify our team, and better meet the rising demand for our programs,” said Robb. “This funding allows us to grow sustainably and ensure our programs reflect and celebrate the many young people and communities we serve.”

Howl’s partnership with the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation will help the organization address some of the challenges young people face as they navigate life’s transitions. With this collaboration, Howl will continue to inspire youth to find their path, embrace reconciliation, and build lasting connections with their communities and the world around them.

“The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation truly understands our goals, challenges, and aspirations,” said Robb. “This partnership goes beyond financial support—it represents a shared vision for reconciliation, connection, and long-term community building.”